Other Considerations When Teaching Idioms

• There are different ways to teach new idioms. Generally, it is a good idea to find examples of idioms in the thematic work that you are doing and discuss them in that context. For example, if your learner was interested in purchasing a car, you could tell your learner a story (or read a story) regarding a car that was "a lemon" or "a real steal."
• Television is a great source of idioms. Using popular TV shows and movies can be a great way to introduce the learner to new idioms.
• Learners can also be encouraged to start an idiom notebook where they write down idioms heard (or read) in social situations, the media and at work. The learner can bring these to the tutoring session for discussion and clarification. The tutor can use these idiomatic expressions as review / warm-up exercises for subsequent lessons.

Additional Sources

The following are websites that have been around for a few years, which have alphabetical lists of idioms (should you need to find a way to explain what an idiom means.)

• http://www.eslcafe.com/idioms/
• http://home.t-online.de/home/toni.goeller/idiom_wm/
• http://a4esl.org/q/h/idioms.html

The following books may be helpful, particularly if your learner is interested in a short "idiom lesson." These resources are produced in a manner that makes it possible to develop a 30 - 40 minute lesson using a thematic approach. Once again, when using these resources, ensure that there is ample practice and review. Only a few new idioms should be introduced each lesson.